Family Friendly Outings
The John Ball Zoo is always a great place to take kids, but new for 2024, they are introducing Dino Adventures to their Forest Realm. Over 20 life-size dinosaurs will visit, including a velociraptor, a triceratops, and even a T. Rex! These animatronic dinosaurs are programmed to display dinosaurs’ real behaviors, such as mothering, feeding, preying, and more. Interactive elements like a fossil dig pit and T-Rex photo op will delight dino fans!
Other interactive experiences include animal trainings and feedings. Event schedule subject to change due to unforeseen events.
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids,
616-336-4300
ArtPrize, Grand Rapids’ premier annual art festival is a wonderful cultural event for visitors of all ages. The downtown area will display 650 works of art from around the world. These artworks are a celebration of ideas, inclusiveness, and visual enjoyment. Everyone is welcome, free of charge. The festival runs from 9/12 to 9/28.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory with five themed gardens including the Japanese Garden and Michigan Farm Garden. 158 acres means there’s a lot to explore. Displays are indoors and out and kids will especially love the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden with the Great Lakes water feature, tree house village, storytelling garden, and more.
1000 E Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
616-957-1580
Grand Rapids Public Museum is fun, educational, and the place to head if the weather takes a turn. The museum features a 1928 carousel for children to ride, collections from A to Z including B for boxes, D for dolls, and J for Japan. Everyone will find a collection to love! Plus, you won’t want to miss the planetarium or the Furniture Factory.
272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids
616-929-1700
Dining With Children
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar is right in the neighborhood with from-scratch Southern style cooking. Customers like the chicken, meatloaf, and loaded potatoes. Family atmosphere and children’s menu.
140 Ottawa Ave., NW, Suite 100, Grand Rapids
616-239-7158
Brick and Porter is a downtown, pub-style restaurant offering sandwiches, salads, tacos, chicken, mac n’ cheese, not to mention delightful desserts like lemon Italian cream cake, cookies and milk cake, raspberry donut cheesecake, and even rainbow sprinkle cake for the littlest little.
47 Monroe Center Street NW, Grand Rapids
616-226-6928
Grand Rapids Downtown Market is the way to go for the family who likes many choices. You will find everything from tacos to gumbo. There are great dessert choices as well: gourmet popcorn, ice cream, bakery, French pastries, and a soda shop with 500+ craft sodas.
435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
616-279-2670
Hancock serves up Nashville hot chicken and made from scratch picnic sides, all out of a remodeled, historic space. Children’s menu and outdoor seating with games to play while you wait.
1157 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
616-805-4232
Yesterdog, a cash-only restaurant, has Grand Rapids’ best hot dog, according to Grand Rapids Magazine. Their menu includes a krautdog, a chili cheddardog, chips, and with their build-your own dog option, you can have the flavor combo that’s just right for you.
1505 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
616-336-0746
Photos courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids, https://www.experiencegr.com/
Getting Around
The Downtown Area Shuttle, or DASH, is a free bus service that connects the downtown area. Call or check online to see the map.
616-456-3000,
The Rapid Bus System is a pay system that takes you beyond the downtown area in Grand Rapids. Call or check online for further information.
616-776-1100, https://www.ridetherapid.org/assets/files/1dp/schedule-book-summer-2024.pdf
Dining Experiences Adults Will Love
Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar presents seafood and classic cuisine along with a world-class wine list. Enjoy the formal dining room, the casual lounge and bar, or outdoor seating.
60 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
616-454-6700
San Chez A Tapas Bistro brings a blend of authentic European, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisine in a fun, laid-back, and artful atmosphere. This adventurous menu includes seafood, chicken, vegetables, ham, and other traditional favorites prepared in intriguing dishes.
38 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids
616-774-8272
Founders Brewery is nearby and ready to treat you to hand-crafted beer as well as hand-crafted delights such as sandwiches, bowls, salads, even kids’ options.
235 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
616-776-1195
Flanagan’ Irish Pub features traditional Irish food and other pub favorites. Plus, you may be surprised by live music or karaoke night!
139 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
616-719-1012
Social House Kitchen & Bar celebrates Happy Hour every Wednesday to Friday from 2-6 p.m. with special prices on food and beverages. Appetizers, pizza, sandwiches, and bowls can be accompanied by beer, wine, and cocktails.
25 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
616 551 1412
The Friesian Gastro Pub features rooftop views of the downtown area in a casual neighborhood pub. Plus it boasts “an eclectic twist on comfort food.” You’ll feel on top of the world, whether you are enjoying a quiet dinner or crafted cocktails.
720 Michigan, Grand Rapids
616-825-3001
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